Radon FAQs

What is radon?

Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that is in the air you breathe and the water you use for drinking, bathing and cooking. At high levels it is a serious health hazard.

How does radon get into my home?

Radon gas seeps into your home through the soil, dirt crawlspaces, cracks in the foundation and walls, floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.

If I have a new home with no cracks or other openings, why should I test for radon?

As a gas, radon seeps through tiny cracks that you might not even see and can even penetrate concrete directly. It can get into finished or unfinished basements, and into new homes as well as old. You won’t know if it’s in your home unless you do a radon test. We can help you with that.

The builder says my new home is radon-resistant, so I can’t have radon, right?

Even if you have purchased a home with Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), unless you, the builder, or a home inspector tested your new home for radon, that’s not necessarily so. Although the name Radon Resistant New Construction implies that the home resists radon, RRNC simply is the installation of radon system pipes without a radon mitigation fan. Without the fan, the home is “radon system ready,” but not resistant to radon entry, you need a fan installed by a professional to pump the radon gas from underneath your house out.

How much does a system cost to run?

The average cost of electricity is about $60-$70 per year. There should not be any other associated costs.

How long does it take to install a radon system?

Most systems will be installed in about 3-5 hours. Even more complicated systems will almost always be done within one day.

I have a sump system. How will that effect the radon system?

Sump systems are an excellent collection point for radon gas as well as water. Whenever possible we will incorporate the sump well into our system.

Is your system guaranteed? How do I know it’s working?

Our systems are guaranteed to reduce radon in your home below the EPA recommended level of 4 pCi/L. In 95% of homes we will see results below 4 pCi/L. After a system is installed we will do a short term follow up test to ensure proper function. If for any reason radon levels are not sufficiently lowered, Lords Radon will preform necessary repairs to the system under the warranty.

Is the fan noisy and will it yellow over time?

Lords Radon exclusively uses USA made RadonAway fans. They do not yellow over time and are fully sealed to run much quieter than other fans. Fans are secured to reduce vibration and noise.

How long will the fan last?

Our fans are covered under warranty for five years however, under normal use most fans will last far longer.

Is there really any proof that radon causes lung cancer?

The American Cancer Society says that radon is associated with up to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Epidemiological studies have shown compelling evidence that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and smokers who are exposed to high radon levels are 10 times more likely to get lung cancer. Links to the American Cancer Society and additional information can be found on out What is Radon? page.

How does radon cause cancer?

Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles. When these particles are inhaled as you breathe normally they begin to damage the cells that line the lung. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. Please visit our What is Radon? for additional information.

How can people know if they have an elevated level of radon in their homes?

Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels. More detailed information about radon can be found on our What is Radon?page.

What if I need more information?

Videos and other links to more information can be found on the What is Radon? page.